Assault on women in Tel Aran, Tel Hasel sparks widespread public outrage

Residents and women from the cities of Zirkan, Tell Tamer, and Derbasiya in the Jazira region, as well as the city of Kobani, condemned the assault by security forces affiliated with the Syrian Interim Government against Kurdish women in the towns of Tel Aran and Tel Hasel during raids and an arrest campaign targeting a number of Kurdish youths in the eastern countryside of Aleppo.

The statements were issued during a series of separate public declarations and protest vigils held across the four cities. In Zirkan, the statement was read by Milia Nemo, a member of Kongra Star, with the participation of women and local women's organizations and associations.

The statement denounced the assault on Kurdish women in Tel Aran, stressing that the rights and dignity of women in Syria must be protected. It emphasized that any arrest operation or security campaign in the area must respect women's rights, safeguard their dignity, comply with human rights principles, and ensure they are not subjected to fear or abuse.

The statement also called on the relevant authorities to launch an immediate investigation, hold those responsible for the assaults accountable, and disclose them to the public opinion, holding the Syrian Interim Government responsible for the incidents.

In Tell Tamer, Kongra Star issued a statement condemning the attacks targeting Kurdish residents in the two towns, asserting that what is taking place in Tel Aran and Tel Hasel constitutes “a serious assault” on civilians and an attempt to impose a new reality by force, rather than isolated violations.

The statement stressed that issues concerning Syria’s various communities cannot be resolved through the use of force or exclusionary policies, but rather through the establishment of genuine partnership and equal citizenship. It warned that the continuation of such violations would deepen social divisions and fuel sectarian and communal tensions, threatening Syria’s security, stability, and the unity of its people.

In conclusion, Kongra Star called for an immediate end to all violations, the release of those arbitrarily detained, and the formation of an independent and transparent investigation committee to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incidents and hold those responsible accountable. It emphasized that protecting civilians and respecting human rights are fundamental pillars for preserving civil peace and building a future based on justice and stability.

In Derbasiya, Kongra Star organized a protest vigil in the city center, with the participation of members of civil institutions and local councils.

During the protest, Raghda Shuhada, an administrator of Kongra Star, read a statement on behalf of the Kongra, stressing that what occurred in Tel Aran and Tel Hasel should not be viewed as isolated violations, but rather as a crime against the residents of the two towns. The statement noted that civilians, particularly women, were subjected to assaults, including beatings, verbal abuse, and arrests.

It further stated that these crimes contribute to spreading fear and insecurity among local residents, threaten civil peace, deepen social and sectarian tensions, and undermine the stability of the region.

In its concluding remarks, Kongra Star called on human rights organizations and the relevant authorities to fulfill their responsibilities by ensuring accountability for those responsible for the violations, protecting civilians, and putting an end to all forms of violence and abuse.

In Kobani, Kongra Star issued a statement to the public opinion that was read by Badia Mahou, Co-Chair of the Women's Council of the Democratic Union Party (PYD). The statement said: "We strongly condemn these practices carried out by the General Security forces affiliated with the Syrian Interim Government. Instead of serving as a force to resolve people's problems, these forces have turned against the people, attacking women and mothers. As Syrian women, we condemn these assaults, reject the targeting of women in particular and strongly denounce such actions.

The concept of integration means that no discrimination should be made between peoples. However, these attacks demonstrate that they are targeting one specific community. We will not stand idly by, nor will we accept this. With the strength and determination of women, we condemn these actions."

The statement stressed the importance of bringing these incidents to public attention and ensuring they are not overlooked. It concluded by affirming that the women would continue their struggle with the will of free women and defend the rights of all Syrian women without discrimination.

ANHA

Zirganê

Til Temir